Row, Row, Row Your Boat

 

Yesterday I used the rowing machine for the first time. I have been wanting to mix up my cardio while at the gym. So my plan was to use the elliptical for 15 minutes, do my arm workout, then "cool down" on the rowing machine for about 15 minutes. Boy was I wrong about the "cool down" part. I was dripping sweat and huffing and puffing within the first 3 minutes. I only did 10 minutes and thought I was dying! How have I never used this wonderful cardio machine??

Reasons Why I Loved the Rowing Machine: 

•  Great Aerobic Workout- though I didn't have a heart rate monitor on, I could tell my heart rate was increased. 
• Fast Calorie Burner- Again, I didn't have a heart rate monitor but according to the machine for the 10 minutes I was on there, I burned 124 calories!! 
• Upper body/back workout- Not only is it great cardio but I can really feel that it worked my upper back this morning! 
• Lower body workout- Since the seat on the rowing machine slides you are constantly bending and straightening your legs as you row! Giving your quads a great workout!
• Low impact- I love finding cardio options that are low impact and counter balance running! 

I can't wait to start using the rowing machine more often and increasing the time spent on it!
  Even found some workouts on pinterest!

Any of y'all use the rowing machine?? I would love for some tips or to hear your success stories!

Catch ya later,
B

Scale Breakup: It's not me, it's you

I'm done being in this abusive relationship with the scale. I know I look good and I know I'm making progress so why can't you man up and tell me that some time?! 

Do y'all ever have those moments when you wake up and you just feel skinny? Then you run to scale and pop that bubble in your head is gone!! I took my measurements today for the first day of my 9 week summer meltdown challenge and plan on focusing on those results instead of listening to the lies the scale tells me!! 

I am joining @got_fit_for_the_dress in her #noscaleinjuly Can't wait to get rid of the negative feelings the scale gives me!! 

Stay chill, 

B

Don't share with me, thanks!

Today I saw one of the new coke bottles that say "Share a coke with..." Coke has printed these new labels with popular names from around the world. 

The first thing I did when I saw this was google to see if my name was on one. Guess what it's not and I am okay with that! I don't want to share a coke with anyone let alone put it in my body! 

Each one of these things are found in soda! Yuck!! Eating healthy is a struggle for me but luckily I have never been a huge soda drinker. I would have one every now and then but after hearing how terrible they are. I have cut them put completely!! 

Just because a soda is diet and doesn't mess up your calorie count doesn't mean it's good for you! The way I like to think about is simple: You don't smoke a cigarette just because it is 0 calories so why drink a soda and put in the chemicals in your body! 

I focus more on drinking water when I'm thirsty! 

I promise I am going to start posting more! Now that I am done studying for the NCLEX (I passed btw) I have more time to work on it. Also I start a 9 week summer meltdown challenge on Monday and want to keep y'all updated!!! 

Until Monday, 

B 

Just remember what's worse than coke??

Diet coke

A Day Late

I didn't have time yesterday to post my Day 3 workouts and happiness because I was on the go all day!

My Happiness came to me before I even woke up. I have a good friend that sends me daily bible verse for encouragement. Today's bible verse was Hebrews 12:11.  It reminded me that my weight loss journey will not always be pleasant but I know I can do it with God by my side!

My workout today consisted of running. Running in the pouring RAIN!! It started raining about midway through my run but at least it gave me the extra push I needed to break my fastest mile time! I love when I get to run with my boyfriend. He is in way better shape than me so it causes me to push my self a little more

  I was craving Mexican for Lunch so I went with a Taco Salad! Yum!! And it was a breakfast for dinner kind of night. I wasn't super hungry nor could I figure out what I wanted but this oatmeal and dark chocolate almond milk definitely hit the spot!

I am going to try to keep on top of my post,

B

Happy Anniversary!

 Yesterday was actually me and the boyfriend's two year anniversary but due to Memorial Day, we chose to celebrate today. In honor of our anniversary, my day two of 100 Days of Happy goes to him. He has been such a supporter through everything! He wipes my tears when I am frustrated with my weight and reminds me that I am beautiful every single day. I honestly don't know what I would do with out him!






 When it came time to get dressed, I became depressed because nothing I wanted to wear fit. I wanted to wear jeans or a pair of cute shorts but they were all to tight. I ended up going with a flowy dress but once my makeup and hair was done I felt great and decided to make my disappointment of not being able to fit into those bottoms my motivation for the next couple of weeks. My goal is to fit into those pants by the end of summer!!







 Since we were going on a date tonight to an Italian restaurant at that I knew I better get my workout in today and it better be a good one! And I did! I killed Leg day today. I got in my run. Worked legs. Then ended with a 15 minute incline walk! It felt great! Day two of #workitout100 is complete.

   

Until tomorrow, 

B

New Start.

Today I decided to start the #workitout100 and 100 Days of Happy. I am planning on working out every day for 100 days and reflecting on something that makes me happy each day.

 In honor of Memorial Day, my first day of happiness comes from the fact that I live in a place that people volunteer to sacrifice their lives so that I may live in freedom. I am thankful for those men and women who make that sacrifice daily and remember those who have lost their lives trying.









 For my workout today, the gym was closed so I had to improvise! Got in a nice run with the boyfriend. I can definitely tell I am getting in better shape. Also did a summer workout for my arms and abs! Not to mention the number of unlogged calories I burned today because I spent almost all day either on the trampoline or in the pool! And of course since it was Memorial Day, patriotic workout gear was a must!

Even though it was a holiday it was still my weigh in day! Despite a terrible weekend with no tracking, no exercise, and failing to meet my water goals, I was still down 1.1 lbs!! Slow progress is better than no progress!!













And since it was Memorial Day, grilled hot dogs are a must!! But who needs a bun!! Added some healthier sides as well. Ate the grilled zucchini before I could get a picture!




 Happy memorial day!!
B

Happy Friday!!

This morning started off great. Woke up with tons of energy and decided to try out a new recipe!

Sorry for the terrible picture! It was devoured before I could get a better picture!

Mini Reese's Peanut buttercup Protein Cakes

Ingredients:
 1/2 c of old fashioned oats
 1 scoop of chocolate peanut butter protein powder
 2 large egg whites
 water

Directions
 Blend oats in a blender until they look like flour.
 Then mix in the protein powder and egg whites.
 Add enough water to make mixture a cake batter consistency.
 Pour into baking dishes.
 Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes!!

So yummy! Would have liked for it to have been a little sweeter so I am going to try adding Stevia next time!

Have a great weekend,
B